On the 100th anniversary of his death on Friday, a letter written by Captain Scott just days before he and his men lost their battle with the Antarctic sold for 163,250 - beating its estimate by 8.8%.

The sale is further confirmation of the power of important anniversaries.

If you're kicking yourself for not having invested in Titanic or Captain Scott artefacts ahead of these dates, I sympathise.

But there is good news.

Because there are several other major anniversaries approaching that you can capitalise on, by buying now.

Take a look at these suggestions:

Short term: Marilyn Monroe

August 5, 2012 will witness the 50th anniversary of Marilyn Monroe's passing. Monroe's autograph has risen 7.82% pa in value since 2000, according to the PFC40 Autograph Index. It is currently listed at 6,750 ($10,600), and I expect it to surge higheras we approach August 5.